Some history claims that the first happy hour was held in a local pub in Ireland.
Others attribute that this before dinner reduced price drinks event started in the 1920’s as the Navy’s slang for its on-ship entertainment.
Regardless what is true, introverts and extroverts would design a Happy Hour quite differently.
How Can Introvert Salespeople Actually Find Happy Hour Bliss?
Originally published on: Nov 23, 2008
Happy Hour mood music. Introvert – If we have to have music, nothing more than soft playing music in the background. I want to hear both others and myself talk. Extrovert – Crank up the tunes. Loud and up beat music will get things stirring.
Happy Hour lighting. Introvert – When I’m talking, I prefer we can see each other. Real connections mean real conversation. Extrovert – Let’s have the lights dimmed or turned up. Either way, I’m there for the conversation; as much conversation as I can have.
Happy Hour networking. Introvert – Have the sidelines around the bar marked so I can stand and observe for a time. I’ll need a little time to join in. Extroverts – Have happy feet on the floor pointing the way to the center of the action; that’s where I want to be from the get-go! I’ll dance into the middle of the action following the feet.
Happy hour number of people. Introvert – I’m most comfortable in smaller groups. For me one is company and two can be a crowd. Maybe a group of two to twenty people max. Extrovert – If we’re going to be happy, we need lots of people. Crowds – all the people the space can hold is wonderful.
Happy Hour title. Introvert – I’d be attracted to something like “Friendship Hour,” or “Get Acquainted Hour.” Extrovert – Any title with the word “Happy” or better yet, “Party” in it is for me. It’s the event I’m after and the happier the better.
Happy Hour time of day. Introvert – As long as I plan to have some quiet time before and after, I can be fine at a Happy Hour gathering. If I’ve had a strong extroverting day, I won’t have the energy at the end of the day to last long. Extrovert – At the end of the day is perfect. Although starting the day off around a lot of people would be energizing too. Hey, what about a morning hour with espresso coffee?
Happy hour with happy endings may have a different meaning for introvert and extrovert salespeople.
Why is it critical for salespeople to recognize their preference? Because to enjoy any event like this, if you can prepare for it, very likely you will find yourself enjoying it and making connections for friends, clients and even connectors.
Now if you network for business, you want to be extraordinary with the follow-up. Networking is not selling, it is one part of marketing.
Maybe you want to make your sales follow-up something you enjoy rather than dread? After all, your prospects are not waking up thinking about you every morning once you’ve made initial contact. That’s your work.
Get started with almost any of my Amazon books including How to Steadily Turn Prospects Into Customers: Taking the Mystery Out of Follow-up Reluctance
What ideas can you add to how can introvert salespeople actually find happy hour bliss?
Personally am not that keen on happy hours because, generally speaking, most people I have met have not been of any interest from a business point of view. Mostly meet people who are doing some kind of business that have nothing in common with what I do. Having said that, I prefer small groups, provided that the people attending are of interest in some way. If not, large groups are much better.
Patricia — I’m an extrovert and I have to disagree with your statement that extroverts like to crank up the music. I can’t stand it when the music is so loud you have to shout to be heard. My first criteria for a restaurant is the noise level, and then the food. I’ve often asked to have the music turned down when I’m in a restaurant. I’m convinced the music is loud and rocking for the benefit of the wait staff and not the diners.
Oh this brought back memories of my career days when happy hour was practically mandatory! Some of those evenings were painful, particularly if I had a long day making person to person sales callsI don’t know if it is still that way, but to not go, other than once in a while, left you out of some of the most important things that went on in the office. And the relationships with the inside support staff that I really wanted/needed to foster. Frankly, I’m happy NOT going to happy hours anymore:)
I work best with no noise at all, so the recent addition of way to many yapper dogs in my neighborhood had not been the best for working from home. With all things, I think there needs to be a fine balance. If push comes to shove, I don’t mind a little background noise, but it’s certainly not my first choice.